This weekend's top events

The best things happening in San Diego from March 7 to 9, 2014

Cherry Blossom Festival

Along with relaxing under the pretty pink trees, attendees will also be able to watch karate and drumming demonstrations, listen to traditional music and sample from a variety of Japanese dishes and treats.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego, 2215 Pan American Road East, Balboa Park. $5 and $6; free for children 6 and under; details.

K.C. Alfred

2

Ugly Dog Contest

There will be ugly dogs at this popular contest, but plenty of cute ones, too. There are also categories for pet costume, owner lookalike and many more.

Wes Anderson retrospective

“The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou” screens on Friday; “Moonrise Kingdom” on Saturday. Each ticket gets you into a sneak preview of “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” which opens here on March 14. Stylish corduroy outfits are not included.

American Girl events

If you can't make it to the sold-out American Girl Fashion Show happening this weekend, don't panic. Barnes & Noble in Oceanside is having a free event for girls age 8 and older with crafts and activities to celebrate new doll, Isabelle.

San Diego Half Marathon Block Party

Whether or not you're running in this half marathon or 5K, you're invited to celebrate at a block party along 5th Avenue and J and K Streets. There will be live music, food samples and a lot of fit, sweaty people.

Block party is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; race begins at 7 a.m. Sunday throughout downtown and Point Loma. Half marathon is sold-out but 5K spots are still open for $75. Register here.

The Associated Press

8

12 Years a Slave

The newly-crowned Best Picture Academy Award winner, starring Lupita Nyong'o, will be screened under the stars. The theater has blankets, heat lamps and plenty of snacks.

Spring Forward Music Festival

We move our clocks forward on Sunday, and that's a good enough reason as any to throw a party. This Escondido celebration features a day filled with live music, crafts, barbecue food complete with a hot dog eating contest and much more.